UPDATE Friday, April 4: Nintendo has delayed the pre-sale of the Nintendo Switch 2 as uncertainty surrounding tariffs. In a statement, Nintendo said, “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
Nintendo’s latest system, the Nintendo Switch 2, will be available starting June 5. The Nintendo Switch 2 has new elements that upgrade the gaming experience, including a 1080p LCD screen, two USB-C ports, 256 GB of storage, and more. The Nintendo Switch 2 also features upgraded processing speeds, more detailed graphics, and higher sound quality.
Alongside the console itself, the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with Joy-Con 2 controllers, which can each be used as a mouse in compatible games; Joy-Con 2 grips and straps; a docking station; an HDMI cable; a Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter, and a USB-C charging cable.
To get familiar with the system, players can check out the exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour game, which features a virtual exhibit of the system. The game features demos, minigames, and other interactions for players to learn all of the Nintendo Switch 2’s unique features. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available at launch.
One of the biggest new features of the Nintendo Switch 2 is GameChat. Now, players will be able to talk with fellow players at any time by pressing the C button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller. The system’s built-in microphone can be used to voice chat with up to 12 people in different locations. Up to four friends can share their screen, and players can even video chat if they connect a compatible USB-C camera. GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 2026. After that, players will need a subscription to keep chatting.
Players will also be able to share their favorite games with others using the new GameShare feature. If one player has a Nintendo Switch 2 and a GameShare-compatible game, they can invite other players to temporarily play the game together via local play.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is also getting an upgrade with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Now, players will be able to play Nintendo GameCube games with clearer image quality and higher resolution, including F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Soulcalibur II. Alongside the games, a wireless controller designed after the original GameCube controller will be available to purchase for Nintendo Switch Online members.
Even if players are obsessed with the lineup of new games coming for Nintendo Switch 2, they can still play their compatible Nintendo Switch games on the Nintendo Switch 2. Some games may not be supported or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, but the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller will be usable by connecting to the Nintendo Switch 2 wirelessly.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in stores starting June 5 for $449.99.
